The history of the South Street Seaport: A robust story of economic power, historic preservation, rat fights and fish guts

PODCAST The glory of early New York came from its role as one of the world’s great ports. Today the South Street Seaport is a lasting tribute to that seafaring heritage, a historical district beneath the Brooklyn Bridge that contains some of New York City’s oldest buildings.

But there are many secrets here along the cobblestone streets. Schermerhorn Row, the grand avenue of counting houses more than two centuries old, is built atop of landfill. Historic Water Street once held a seedy concentration of brothels and saloons. Not to mention a very vibrant rat pit! And the Fulton Fish Market, the neighborhood’s oldest customer tradition, once fell into the river.

The modern South Street Seaport, a preservation construct of concerned citizens, become popular with tourists during the 1980s but saw severe damage during Hurricane Sandy. It’s now the subject of some potentially dramatic changes. How much of an adherence to the traditions of the past will determine the Seaport’s future?

A different world: The glory of South Street in 1890 and 1900, respectively, still a non-stop churn of unloading, delivering and transport, even as the Brooklyn Bridge in the distance marks big changes to come for the neighborhood. (courtesy NYPL and Library of Congress)

The Fulton Fish Market, as photographed by Berenice Abbot, November 26, 1935 (NYPL)

Fulton and Water Streets, 1975 (Courtesy the Museum of the City of New York)

Richard Haas’ trompe l’oeil excellently masking a Con Edision substation. (Museum of City of New York)

Pier 17, the ambitious 1980s project that transformed this once-vital economic center into a viable tourist attraction. But it didn’t exactly appeal to large masses of regular New Yorkers. (Pic courtesy Wired New York)

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A number of years ago I was given an architectural model of Schermerhorn Row that was created during the final planning stage of the 1980’s redevelopment. I always found the model far more interesting then what the area turned out to be.

James B

I loved the podcast on South St Seaport. While visiting my aunt on Long Island around 1990 I remember going to Pier 17, I thought it was amazing. Its sad that its now closed and that it wasnt a hit with NY residents. I still have the bag I bought from banana republic that day! Thanks for bringing back some memories.James, Glasgow

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